What the New Testament Says About Tithe
The New Testament and Paying Tithe
The question of tithing in the New Testament often arises among believers: Is tithing still required for Christians? Did Jesus reaffirm it, or did He replace it with a different model of giving? A close look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, along with the theological depth of Hebrews 7, makes it clear that Jesus affirmed tithing as an ongoing principle for God’s people.
Jesus' Direct Teaching on Tithing
In Matthew 23:23 and Luke 11:42, Jesus addresses the Pharisees' hypocrisy, but in doing so, He also upholds the practice of tithing:
“Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cumin, and have neglected the weightier matters of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness. These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others.” (Matthew 23:23, ESV)
“What sorrow awaits you Pharisees! For you are careful to tithe even the tiniest income from your herb gardens, but you ignore justice and the love of God. You should tithe, yes, but do not neglect the more important things.” (Luke 11:42, NLT)
Jesus does not criticize the act of tithing itself. Instead, He emphasizes that while tithing is important, it should not replace greater virtues such as justice, mercy, and love. His words—“These you ought to have done, without neglecting the others”—clearly indicate that tithing should continue.
The Priestly Order of Melchizedek and the Continuation of Tithing (Hebrews 7)
One of the strongest biblical affirmations of tithing in the New Testament is found in Hebrews 7, which explains how Abraham, the father of faith, gave a tithe to Melchizedek long before the Law of Moses was given. This passage provides profound insight into why tithing is not just a Mosaic command but a timeless principle:
“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything.” (Hebrews 7:1-2, ESV)
The chapter goes on to say that Melchizedek was a unique priest—one without genealogy, without a recorded beginning or end (Hebrews 7:3). This is significant because it foreshadows Jesus Christ, who is described as “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 7:17).
Further, the passage explains that when Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek, it symbolized a greater spiritual truth:
“One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.” (Hebrews 7:9-10, ESV)
This means that tithing is not merely a requirement under the Mosaic Law, but a principle that transcends it. If Abraham, the father of faith, tithed before the Law was given, and if Jesus is now our High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, then tithing remains relevant as an act of worship under the New Covenant.
Moreover, Hebrews 7:8 makes a striking statement:
“In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives.”
This suggests that while priests under the Old Covenant collected tithes, in the New Covenant, tithes are ultimately given to Jesus, our eternal High Priest. Tithing is not just a financial duty—it is an acknowledgment of Christ’s ongoing priestly ministry and our submission to His authority.
Tithing and Generosity in the New Testament
Jesus not only upheld tithing but also emphasized a lifestyle of generosity. He famously said:
“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35, ESV)
This principle aligns with tithing—it is not about religious obligation, but about the blessing of giving. Paul echoes this in his instruction to the Corinthian church:
“On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.” (1 Corinthians 16:2, ESV)
This systematic approach to giving reflects the principle of tithing—consistent, intentional financial stewardship that honors God and supports His work.
Jesus and the Temple Tax (Matthew 17:24-27)
Another significant moment regarding financial giving is found in Matthew 17:24-27, where Jesus instructs Peter to pay the temple tax:
“However, not to give offense to them, go to the sea and cast a hook and take the first fish that comes up, and when you open its mouth, you will find a shekel. Take that and give it to them for me and for yourself.”(Matthew 17:27, ESV)
Though the temple tax was different from the tithe, Jesus still honored the practice, demonstrating His commitment to supporting the work of God. If Jesus willingly contributed financially to God’s house, shouldn’t we?
Final Thoughts: A Call to Faithful Giving
Tithing is not merely an Old Testament law—it is a biblical principle that Jesus affirmed and the New Testament upholds. The book of Hebrews 7 makes it clear that tithing is not about legalism but about honoring Jesus as our eternal High Priest.
Jesus explicitly said we should tithe (Matthew 23:23; Luke 11:42).
Hebrews 7 ties tithing to a higher priesthood that continues under Christ.
Paul encouraged consistent giving to support the church (1 Corinthians 16:2).
Jesus Himself modeled financial responsibility (Matthew 17:24-27).
Ultimately, tithing is an act of worship and trust. It is not about religious obligation but about recognizing God as our provider and investing in His Kingdom.
Addendum: Old Testament References on Tithing
For further study, here are key Old Testament scriptures commanding and explaining the practice of tithing:
Genesis 14:18-20 – Abraham gives a tenth of his spoils to Melchizedek, the priest of God Most High.
Genesis 28:20-22 – Jacob vows to give a tenth to God.
Leviticus 27:30-32 – The tithe is declared holy and belongs to the Lord.
Numbers 18:21-26 – The tithe is given to the Levites as their inheritance for serving in the tabernacle.
Deuteronomy 12:5-6 – Tithes and offerings are to be brought to the place of worship.
Deuteronomy 14:22-29 – Tithing supports the Levites, foreigners, orphans, and widows.
2 Chronicles 31:5-6 – The Israelites bring in their tithes abundantly.
Nehemiah 10:35-39 – The people commit to bringing their tithes to the house of God.
Malachi 3:8-10 – God rebukes Israel for robbing Him in tithes and promises blessings for faithful giving.
These scriptures establish tithing as a biblical principle that Jesus later affirmed in the New Testament.